From Maiharaji Altine
The Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Zamfara state command, Muhammad Bello Muazu said as the date for the 2023 general elections draw nearer, the Media remains the only hope for the common man.
The Commandant stated this during a workshop titled “Capacity building and the role of Media in news reportage in the 2023 general elections” organized by the state NSCDC command.
He stressed that, the Media played invaluable role in ensuring the survival of democracy in the country.
He said, the whole Nation heavily relied on the Media to furnish the general public on information during and after the elections.
“The media is the hope of the common man”.
“Whatever information made available to public domain could either build confidence or create panic”.
“Hence, it is sacrosanct for the Media to jettison breaking news that could break the heart, rather than embrace ones that will give hope and confidence to the common man in the street”.
Muazu maintained that the Media was the only linkage of passing information to general public during and after the elections.
He therefore called on journalists to discharge their duties in accordance with the ethics of their profession.
He advised them to avoid fake news so as not to confuse the general public on election results.
Muazu assured the general public that, his command was ever ready to provide maximum security during and after the elections.
According to him, the command has made arrangements for convert and stationed complete squads of the arms unit for effective patrol and surveillance over critical infrastructure and people’s properties.
In his response, the state’s NUJ chairman, Comrade Ibrahim Musa Maizare commended the Commandant for organizing the workshop describing it as timely.
Maizare stressed that the gathering was the first of its kind in the history of Zamfara state for a security outfit to organize a Media chart in preparation of such a national assignment to discuss with journalists about a significant issue, especially the general elections.
He said, “I am sure this will strengthen the existing cordial relationship between journalists and NSCDC”.
The chairman explained that the validity of the election was not guaranteed without the help of journalists and security agents.
He therefore hope that all would try to contribute important and meaningful points that would benefit the state and country at large.
“I want to remind you that the duty of a Journalist during elections is to monitor, inform and educate the general public during campaigns, elections and after the elections among others”.
“I hope that this meeting will give us the opportunity to discuss what happened in the past, identify problems and provide suggestions and ways to solve them, especially in the field of security which is a challenge in this country”.
Maizare commended the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Muhammad Bello Mu’azu, who thought about organizing the meeting.
He informed the Commandant that the NUJ was proud of his leadership style and appreciated his effort of identifying with journalists.
The chairman finally assured that the working journalists in the state would always cooperate with all the security agencies for the protection of lives and properties of the people in the country.
